Holiday traffic, visitors who don't know the roads and busy shopping centers make December a common month for fender benders around Fernandina Beach and Yulee. A car accident is stressful even when no one is hurt, and the first few hours and days can affect how smoothly your claim goes. Here is what to do, in order.
At the scene
- Check for injuries and get safeIf anyone is hurt, call 911. If the cars can be driven and no one is injured, move out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the police when neededFlorida generally requires crashes involving injuries or significant damage to be reported to law enforcement. A police report also makes the claim easier, so when in doubt, call.
- Exchange informationGet the other driver's name, phone number, insurance company and policy number, driver's license number and license plate. Get names and numbers from any witnesses too.
- Take photosPhotograph both vehicles, the damage, the other car's plate, the road, traffic signs and any injuries. Photos taken right away are hard to dispute later.
- Don't argue about faultStick to the facts with the other driver and the officer. Let the insurance companies sort out who is responsible.
Get checked by a doctor within 14 days
Florida is a no-fault state. Your own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays a portion of your medical bills regardless of who caused the crash, but to use PIP benefits you generally need to get initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, don't show up right away, so it is worth getting checked even if you feel fine.
Report the claim promptly
Call your insurance company or your agent as soon as you can, even if the other driver says they will pay. Most policies require prompt notice, and waiting can complicate the claim. Have your photos, the police report number and the other driver's information ready.
Know what your policy covers
- Personal injury protection for your own medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.
- Property damage liability for damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property.
- Collision for damage to your own car in a crash, after your deductible.
- Uninsured motorist coverage if the other driver has no insurance or not enough. Florida has a high rate of uninsured drivers, so this coverage matters.
- Rental reimbursement for a rental car while yours is in the shop, if you added it.
Florida's minimum required coverage is limited, and many drivers find out after an accident that they don't have collision, rental or enough uninsured motorist coverage. A quick review now is much better than a surprise later. Our auto insurance page explains the options.
We're here when you need us
If you are a Southend Insurance client and you've been in an accident, call us at (904) 807-4554 and we'll help you start the claim and explain what your policy covers. If you'd like a second opinion on your current auto coverage, request a free quote.
This article is general information, not legal advice or a substitute for your policy documents. Reporting rules, deadlines and coverage depend on the facts of the accident and your policy.